ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8733, 15 May 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. “UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.” The presentation of “Uncle Tom’s Gaum,” at the Opera House, by Mr George Wxlloughby's company, is bem s uuenued wuh much success. Tho play is one that will be enjoyed, not only uy tin younger generation, out by those who remember us presentation in the dun and distant past. The production on tins occasion nas an uncommonly strong cast, including the New fork'Jubilee Singers, the Era Comedy Four, and the juvenile National Duo. The principal interpolated items are “Swauee River," “My Uld Kentucky Home,'' and some sacred numbers. Mr Cyril Mackny as George Harris, the educated slave husband of the quadroon girl Eliza, and Miss Nellie Fergusson as Mrs St. Clair, sustain their respective rolee quite convincingly. The comedy work of Miss Nell Hoiroyd, as Topsy, the irrepressible darky girl, is excellent. Little Vera iiuggett makes a most lovable little Eva, ‘•the angel missie.” Good work is also accomplished by the other members of the company. The piece is splendidly mounted and the scenic effects are particularly well carried out. ' “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” will be staged again this evening. Next Wednesday the company will appear in the Western mining drama “At Cripple Creek.” This is stated to be a characteristic story of life in the wilds of Colorado. THE DANDIES. Last night the Dandies confirmed the favourable opinion that the Wellington public conceived of them on their arrival nearly a week ago. The change of programme was in all respects equal to the well-selected items of the first entertainments. Considerably before 8 o’clock the concert chamber of the Town Hall was filled, and latecomers were turned away by scores. Every, indication seems to point to the conclusion that the stay of the Orange Dandies in Wellington will be (marked by a success greater than that of any of their predecessors. Of last night’s performance Mr Roland Henry was the bright particular star. In all his items he had the crowd roaring with daughter. A© an ecatentric comedian he excels- With Miss Naomi McQuoin and Mr George Taylor he .shored a success in “We’ve Come to Sing,” and, with Mr Andrew' Pace, “Poaching” brought down the house. On© of tho best turns of the evening was his “Blood Oranges”— a character sketch of a cooler. In the concerted items, boo, Mr Henry was predominant, tho finale. "On a ’Bus,” being a realistic representation of the humours of an old-time Londpn 'bus driver. In fact, all the concerted pieces showed th© bright little company at its best. These included “Hi! hi! Walk Up,” “Torpedo and th© Whale,” “Manicuring," and “Swing High, Swing Low.’’ Th© soprano. Miss Ethel Walker, was in fine voice, and her “April Mom” was followed by “Three Green Bonnets” as an encore; th© latter was sung very well indeed. With Miss Bradford she gay© a pleasing rendering of “Glorious Land of Spring.” Mr David’s light baritone was heard to advantage in “I Hear You Calling Mo,” and with Miss Ethel Walker he sang “A Night in Venice.” Comedy was well scattered through the programme, Mr Andrew Pace, Mr George Taylor and Mr Harry Webster’s efforts all being appreciated. Mr Webster's “P.C. 43” was a popular item. An operatic selection from Verdi’s “Rigoletto, “When, the Year Again Returning" (by Misses Walker and Bradford, and Messrs Lyle and Taylor) deserves mention. Miss Bradford’s powerful contralto formed a pleasing addition to this and the . concerted items. The programme will be repeated to-night. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Large and enthusiastic audiences have gathered, at His Majesty’s Theatre this week, and last night the presentation of tho current attractive programme was again warmly appreciated. The most meritorious performance is that of Carlton Max, who is an exceptionally clever ventriloquist and with the assistance of his dummy keeps the audience highly amused. Then there is La France, whoso series of graceful poses is undoubtedly popular. The evergreen comedian* Denis Carney, makes a big hit with his | songs and originalities, while tho old favourites, Mias -Dorothy Harris and Phillips and Meryitt, still receive hearty applause. The programme will he repeated again this evening, and the customary matinee is announced for tomorrow afternoon. THE KING’S THEATRE.

“The Prisoner of Zenda,” was again by a large assemblage air tbo King’s Theatre last evening, and the success of this splendidly-produced film was plainly demonstrated. The screening pt the film is accompanied by special music, rendered by a full orchestra under tbo eonductorsmp of ' Signor Truda- Other pictures of much merit are views of tbo Siberian Eskimos. “Bottled Romance and “A Lesson in Jealousy. There will be a repetition of the bill this evening, and the usual matinee will bo given tomorrow afternoon, commencing at Ado o’clock. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. “Little Kaintnck,” a drama by the Vitagraph “Company, occupied pride of place in the new programme at the Empress Theatre yesterday. The story tells of a newsboy who leaves the squalor of the city to tramp through the country in quest of better opportunities than the metropolis offers. A lonely old storekeeper takes compassion on the boy and persuades him to stay with him during the winter. The hoy repays his benefactor by saving the old man from the clutches of a desperate thief. Supplementary to the “star” item are “The Thwarted Plot” (Michigan’s sensational drama), “A Bottle of Musk” (S. and A. drama), “Williamson Weekly” (topic- “ Max, the New Butler” (Max Linder comedy), and “The White Rose” (A.K.’s comedy).